Bath Council Lends Support To Public Housing For Elderly

October 21, 1992|The Morning Call

Bath Council last night supported helping a Northampton County agency in its effort to provide the first public housing for the elderly in the borough.

The Northampton County Housing Authority wants to build a $2.7 million, three-story building with 31 apartments at Mill and Plymouth streets. The authority received a $1.7 million federal grant. It is seeking a $600,000 state grant and has paid more than $300,000 for the property to round out the total project cost.

Project Development Manager Judd Roth asked for council's support. The state Department of Community Affairs is more likely to approve the grant with borough support, he said. However, the project would be likely to move ahead, probably with some cutbacks or hopes of other funding, if the grant is rejected.

No residents attended last night's public hearing. Council favored assistance but will not vote until its Nov. 2 meeting.

Councilmen questioned Housing Authority officials and learned that the borough would not be financially responsible if the authority went bankrupt. They also learned that a contract requires the authority to remain for the elderly or handicapped and could not be modified simply for low-income residents.

Council will tour The Border House, a similar 75-unit elderly housing unit in Nazareth, to gain a better understanding of intentions.

Construction could begin in Bath in spring if all approvals are gained.